Kevin Hern

Kevin Hern was born on December 4, 1961, in Missouri. He was raised in the Midwest and later moved to Oklahoma where he made his career in business and politics. Hern attended Arkansas Tech University and then proceeded to the University of Arkansas, earning a degree in engineering. Before entering politics, Hern was a successful entrepreneur, owning several McDonald's franchises.

Kevin Hern was elected to the United States House of Representatives on November 6, 2018, representing Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. He succeeded Jim Bridenstine, who resigned to become the Administrator of NASA. Hern ran as a Republican and emphasized his business experience during his campaign, focusing on economic growth and fiscal responsibility. His election was part of the midterm elections in which the Republican party maintained control of the Oklahoma congressional delegation.

Kevin Hern was sworn into the 116th United States Congress on January 3, 2019. As a member of Congress, Hern has served on several committees, including the House Committee on Ways and Means. His focus has been on issues such as tax reform, healthcare policy, and supporting small businesses. Using his background in business and entrepreneurship, Hern has advocated for policies that reduce regulatory burdens and stimulate economic growth.

Kevin Hern voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the United States Congress in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. It included measures to support small businesses, provide direct financial assistance to individuals, and expand unemployment benefits. Hern supported the bill to help Oklahoma individuals and businesses cope with the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.

On July 15, 2020, Kevin Hern along with his colleagues in the Republican Main Street Caucus, launched an Economic Task Force. The purpose of the task force was to develop strategies for economic recovery and development in the wake of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hern emphasized leveraging his business expertise to create a recovery plan focused on job creation, enhancing infrastructure, reducing regulatory barriers, and supporting small businesses.

On January 6, 2021, Kevin Hern voted to object to the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election results. This was a highly contentious event, coinciding with the attack on the Capitol by rioting protesters. Hern justified his objection by citing concerns over election integrity, supporting calls for an independent audit of the election results. His decision drew both support and criticism from various constituents and political figures.

Kevin Hern voted against the American Rescue Plan Act on March 11, 2021. This $1.9 trillion stimulus package was designed to facilitate the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hern opposed the bill on grounds that it was too costly and that only a small portion of the spending was directly related to addressing the immediate health and economic impacts of the pandemic. He advocated for a more targeted aid package that focused on the most affected areas.

On May 12, 2022, Kevin Hern voted against the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, which aimed to enhance the federal government’s efforts to prevent and respond to domestic terrorism. Hern expressed concerns that the bill could lead to government overreach and infringe on civil liberties, and he argued that existing laws were sufficient to address domestic terrorism threats. This vote was part of broader debates on how to handle national security and civil rights issues.

On September 27, 2023, Kevin Hern announced that he would serve as the National Vice Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). In this role, Hern aims to help the NRCC recruit candidates and strategize for the upcoming elections. Hern’s experience in business and as a congressman is expected to be an asset in implementing effective campaign strategies and promoting the Republican agenda at the national level. His leadership will be critical in maintaining and expanding Republican seats in Congress.